§ 34. Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Minister of Social Security whether she is satisfied that under her regulations the Supplementary Benefits Commission will not apply the wage-stop to people who are drawing sickness benefit; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. PentlandAs my right hon. Friend explained to the House during the debate on the Ministry of Social Security Bill, the wage-stop cannot be applied to the long-term or the chronic sick, but only to the unemployed and to people who are temporarily not available for work because of sickness.
§ Mr. HunterIs my hon. Friend aware that more and more people are expressing concern about the effects of the wage-stop, particularly on the man with a young and large family? Should not cognisance be taken of that growing concern?
§ Mr. PentlandYes, Sir. I cannot improve on what my right hon. Friend has already said about the wage-stop. However, if it is clear at the time of the claim for benefit that the sickness is not temporary, the wage-stop will not be applied. If the wage-stop is applied in a case of sickness benefit, it will be reviewed after the claimant has been sick for six months.